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Utah Senate advances broad package of tax, rules and public‑safety bills
Summary
On Jan. 24, 2006, the Utah Senate moved a large third‑reading calendar, approving bills on voting‑rights restoration, administrative rules reauthorization, tax exemptions and utility tax changes, and advancing measures on evidence rules and drug‑impaired driving.
The Utah State Senate on Jan. 24 approved a string of third‑reading bills covering tax policy, administrative rules and criminal penalties as lawmakers worked through an extensive calendar.
Among the measures the Senate approved was Senate Bill 47, clarifying restoration of voting rights for convicted felons who have completed their sentences, probation or parole; the measure passed 26‑0 with three absent. The chamber also uncircled and passed the annual administrative rules reauthorization, Senate Bill 26 (27‑0, two absent), which the sponsor said renews rules the administrative rules review committee found compliant with state statute.
Lawmakers moved several tax‑related bills forward. Senate Bill 31, a clarification of the manufacturing sales‑tax exemption to include repairs and replacement parts, passed with an FY2007 general‑fund fiscal note estimated at $5,000,000 and a local revenue impact of $1,600,000; the roll call recorded 27 yes, 0 no, 2 absent. Senate Bill 33, a broader expansion of manufacturing exemptions to sectors including mining, oil and gas and high‑technology industries, carried an estimated $42 million general‑fund impact and $13.5 million in local impact; it was advanced on a 25‑0 vote with four senators absent. Senate Bill 32, intended to equalize taxes between cable and satellite video services by creating a franchise‑tax credit that sponsors said would be passed on to subscribers, was approved 27‑0 with two absent.
The Senate debated and amended Senate Bill 34, which would reduce a 1995 gross‑receipts tax on certain utilities. Senators offered amendments intended to ensure any benefit would be passed to Utah ratepayers; sponsor remarks and intent language were incorporated and the measure advanced 27‑0 with two absent.
On public‑safety policy, the Senate approved Senate Bill 51, increasing penalties in cases where a driver causes serious injury or death and had recently used marijuana; the sponsor described criteria that must be met for felony prosecution (recent use, negligent driving and serious injury/death). The measure was read for a third time and passed (25‑0, four absent).
The chamber also took up a high‑profile first substitute, Senate Bill 41, to limit the admissibility of unsworn apologies or explanations by medical personnel in civil malpractice suits. Sponsors said the bill follows a national ‘Sorry Works’ model intended to encourage disclosure and earlier settlement; critics raised procedural concerns about altering rules of evidence and whether legislative action conflicts with constitutional provisions assigning evidentiary rules to the courts.
The Senate adjourned and scheduled further items for the following day, including a time‑certain hearing on civil antitrust amendments with the attorney general. The body recessed until 10:00 a.m. the next day.
